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“Unfortunately, this little guy isn’t mine.” Isabella pats his head and glances at Benny. “I’m only his aunt.”
“Benny …” I can’t stop myself from squealing, which is strange because I’m not a squealer or someone who gets overly excited. “Did you get me a puppy?”
He nods. “I figured he could keep you company while you’re stuck at home. Your sisters said they’d come over and help when I’m not here.” He rests on the arm of the couch, tips his head down, and lowers his voice. “You can make your own puppy videos now.”
A tear slides down my cheek. “Thank you, Benny.” I smack a quick kiss to his lips before holding out my arms toward Isabella. “Bring him here!”
“On the couch?” Benny asks.
I shoot him a look. “Uh, yeah.”
This little man will be allowed on the couch, the bed, and the kitchen table. Wherever he wants.
Isabella nuzzles her nose into his fur before handing him over.
Heat radiates through my chest, and I smile. I’ve never felt so special, so loved, in my life. Benny listened. Even when we were hostile to each other and arguing, he remembered why I’d told him I shared puppy videos. I was never allowed to have one, so he fulfilled that wish for me.
As soon as I clutch the dog to my chest, he attacks my face with slobbery kisses.
“He’s a Yorkie,” Isabella explains, sitting cross-legged on the floor. “Do you have a name in mind?”
“Bruiser,” I quickly reply. “We couldn’t keep the last Bruiser, but this one will have a great life.”
Bruiser licks my face, loving the idea, and I fall in love with his stinky puppy breath and wet nose.
I give him love, introduce myself as his dog mom, and then turn him to face Benny. “And this is your new daddy!”
Benny recoils at the sentiment and stares at the puppy like he’s a sewer rat.
I push his arm. “Show him some love, Benito.”
Hisloveis a single tap on top of Bruiser’s head.
I frown but know I’ll fix this.
I warmed Benny’s heart up to me.
My next goal will be to make Bruiser and Benny the best of pals.
Benny did all this for me.
The husband I thought was from hell turned into the one I took a bullet for.
* * *
The doctor instructedme to walk daily to speed up my recovery and help prevent blood clots.
Benny offered to rent out a gym so I could use their indoor track and not walk outside in the cold. I told him it was ridiculous. I prefer the fresh air.
So, we drive to the mansion and walk the estate. Even with chilly weather, the scenery surrounding the mansion is breathtaking. Birds chirp in the mature trees, and the fall flowers are in bloom. We stroll past the beautiful stone fountains throughout the property. It’s protected and safer than walking in our neighborhood.
Bruiser walks on his leash in front of us, his paws pitter-pattering along the stone walkway. A leaf blows in the wind, and Bruiser chases after it.
Benny has yet to become his bestie, but I’m working on it. It took persuasion and a promised blow job—when I’m fully healed, of course—to share the bed with Bruiser.
“We never talked about the Lombardis,” I say. Just the mention of their name makes my stomach curl.
We haven’t spoken much about them, but I do know they called the hit on Benny. Cristian killed Vincent’s son, so they wanted him to endure the same pain of losing his. But I have no idea if Vincent pulled the trigger or if he sent someone else to. The tinted windows made it too hard to see who held the gun.
